Fig. 2: Catalytic performance of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 in DRM.

a Catalytic performance of 2D-Mo2C/SiO2 (90–150 min) and 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 (240–300 min and from 390 min after the CO2 regeneration step) in DRM at a contact time (W/F) of 3 ms gMo mL−1; b correlation of the Mo oxidation state, determined by Mo K-edge XANES, and the catalytic activity of the material; c Mo K-edge XANES spectra of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 when exposed to DRM (0.1 ms gMo mL−1 contact time), reductive and oxidative conditions at 730 °C; d stable performance of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 at contact times of 1 or 2 ms gMo mL−1.